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Saturday, March 9, 2013

New Castle, Delaware: the original Colonial Williamsburg

All right, I know last month, I promised that I'd share a bit about the history of Mackinac Island. Since then, I realized it wouldn't make much sense, as the 2 books I'm offering as a giveaway along with this post are set in historical Delaware. Mackinac is the setting of the book I just contracted to write, but it won't release until August of 2014.

So, instead, let's chat a bit about Colonial history. How much do you know? Do you have a passion for that era, or is your interest more in the 1800's and early 1900's? Or perhaps you love the Medieval or Biblical time periods and areas before America was born. Regardless of your interest, it's always good to do the research yourself and delve into history on your own instead of leaving it to textbooks, documentaries, or teachers to give you the facts.

This was never more clear to me than when I went through school and learned a bit about Delaware history simply because I lived there at the time, and our history classes included a few units on local history as well as general American or world history. It wasn't until the time came to research the details in my first contracted novel that I discovered just how much had been left out of history books or the information the teachers presented.

For example, "The First State" is often overlooked in favor of cities like Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Boston, or New York City. But did you know about Caesar Rodney’s ride from Dover, Delaware, to Philadelphia on July 2nd to interrupt the gathering of the Continental Congress and cast his vote in favor of independence from England? The delegates were at a stalemate, and Rodney’s vote turned the tide, causing a domino effect with the delegates which led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Had it not been for Rodney’s ride, we might not celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, or even at all.

And think about the last time you received a credit card statement or even an offer to sign up for a credit card. Did you happen to look at the return address on the outside of the envelope? Ten-to-one says the city postmark is from Wilmington, Delaware.

Wilmington, Delaware, has been the focal point of industry for nearly 400 years. Everything from shipbuilding, gunpowder manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, carriages, and leather. By the end of the Civil War, Wilmington was producing more iron than the rest of the country combined and it rated first in the production of gunpowder. Pharmaceuticals followed a close second and still remain a significant source of production today.

And then there's the original capital city of New Castle, Delaware. Up until the Revolutionary War, it was the county seat for all government, and most of the prominent citizens resided within the town limits or somewhere nearby. Because of its position on the banks of the Delaware River (a river that connected Philadelphia with the Atlantic Ocean), New Castle also became a popular stopping point for supply ships on their way up the river to Wilmington and Philadelphia.

In fact, long after the Colonial era, the 1800's and a good bit of the 1900's had past, New Castle remained a fully-functioning Colonial town, complete with cobblestone streets, and even the occasional clip-clop of horses's hooves from a horse and buggy. Not many are aware that even today, New Castle remains a restored Colonial town, but I bet most have heard of Colonial Williamsburg.

When tourism and travel industry developers were seeking out a location for a town to provide the flavor of Colonial times to tourists and be a destination for school field trips, New Castle was among the first to be considered. However, the residents declined the potential, preferring instead that their little town to remain quaint and private. As a result, Williamsburg became the international tourist site. Those who are aware of New Castle still visit for a less-crowded historical experience, and if you happen to be in the area, you should make time to pay a visit. You won't regret it.

Now, the two books I'm offering as giveaway opportunities aren't set in Colonial times. That honor belongs to my first series (Liberty's Promise), which includes Promises Promises, Quills & Promises, and Deceptive Promises. This current series remained in northern Delaware, but a little over 100 years into the future and a little further north into the Brandywine River Valley. Brandywine Brides includes Bound by Grace, Stealing Hearts, and Antique Dreams. The third book releases this month, and I've been told it's already been sighted in a few Wal-Marts across the country.

With that being said, since this series highlights some of the more prominent industries in Delaware, I have a question for you. Can you name at least one of the major companies or businesses that are incorporated in Delaware? Can be present or historical. Your choice. But it must be a proper name, not just the general industry. If you can Google, you can find at least one. What you find just might surprise you. :)

Leave your name and email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net), along with your answer, to be entered for a chance to win 1 of 2 FREE autographed books. Winner will be selected on Saturday, March 16th, and the name will be posted here in the comments. That gives you a full week to enter.

Here's a little more about each one:

STEALING HEARTS
When Grace Baxton comes face-to-face with the thief who broke into her uncle's home, she isn't prepared for meeting Andrew Bradenton—not a young boy out to cause trouble and no hardened criminal, either. The judge sentences Andrew Bradenton to work for the Baxton family, and being forced to see him almost daily, Grace struggles with forgiveness. Out of guilt, Andrew offers to help Grace search for an heirloom book. When a handsome stranger appears with the book in hand, warming Grace's heart and finding favor with her uncle, Grace is torn over her growing attraction for both men. Andrew tries to prove the stranger is up to no good, but after key documents and money go missing from her uncle's safe, Andrew is seen as the guilty party. Will Grace discover the truth in time?

ANTIQUE DREAMS
Lillian's brother has one last request. On a cold April night as the Titanic sinks to the ocean floor, Conrad Bradenton asks his new business partner, Aaron Stone, to fulfill a final wish: that Aaron return a well-worn book to his family and take care of his sister. Aaron seeks out Conrad's family, never imagining the depth of his commitment until he meets lovely Lillian Bradenton. Hit hard by the despair in her eyes, Aaron encourages Lillian to restore her hope by bringing a boarded-up bookstore back to life. Lillian is uncertain whether she can trust this stranger, the last link to her beloved brother. But she has faith in her brother's ability to read people. If Conrad saw something in Aaron, maybe she will in time. Then Aaron is summoned to London, and Lillian wonders if it is too late to turn hesitant friendship into undying love.

It's exciting to visit with you, the reader. Without you, we authors couldn't keep doing what we love. Thank you for joining us here at CFHS and coming along for the ride!

I'll see you next month, where I'll share about the Nemours and DuPont families and their family dynasty in northern Delaware. In the meantime, if you'd like to know more, feel free to check me out on Twitter, Facebook, and my web site. Looking forward to sharing this journey with you. Good luck in the drawing!

And don't forget about the GRAND PRIZE drawing at the end of this month. We're giving away a Kindle to the grand prize winner and a $25 gift card to Amazon to 2nd place. For each day you comment on CFHS you receive one entry in the Kindle and $25 Amazon gift card giveaway. Comment on every post in the month of March and earn 31 entries! Good luck!

BIO
Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since
childhood. Today, she is an award-winning author, speaker, and virtual
assistant, who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton,
in Colorado. They have one girl and one boy, and an Aussie/retriever mix named Roxie. She has sold fourteen books so far and is represented by Sandra
Bishop of MacGregor Literary Agency. Read more about her at her web site: http://www.amberstockton.com/.

Thank you for your post. I love reading history especially of our country. My favorite time periods are early 1900s and back. (like 1910 through medievel). I did my google search and found out the Dogfish Brewery is out of Deleware, I myself am not a beer drinker but my husband does enjoy it.

Google - my favorite search engine - appears to be incorporated in Delaware. Looks like quite a lot of business giants are incorporated there, due to the very friendly tax laws.Interesting reading about New Castle! I've always wanted to visit Colonial Williamsburg, but I think I've changed my mind after reading this. I prefer less "touristy" places, and more places where you can see history naturally. For instance, when I lived in Wyoming, it was amazing to go out onto the desert and see the ruts still visible from the Oregon Trail, and find random gravestones from those who died along it. I'd rather see history as it really was than all restored, though even then it's still very interesting!jimmynmatthewsmom [at] netzero [dot] com

I must be the one person who hoping for some Mackinac love! :/ Maybe as the months move forward you can share bits about that magical place!? I spoke about this on your introduction post,... not sure if you saw that though?! Oh, I am still at odds to properly explain which period in history is my favourite! I know I've attempted to answer that both on CFHS + on Jillian Kent's blog recently! To put it simply, I am deeply engrossed in nearly every century + point of historical significance! Here's a clipping from my notes:

the Regency + Victorian eras of England {goodness, you'd think I ought to uncover a time machine, that's how oft I'm over there!}, the Roaring Twenties in America, the World Wars, esp in America and England, the Wild West & Frontier Days of America, Revolutionary France {before, during, and after Marie Antoinette}, the Revolutionary War era of America, the Renaissance of England + Italy, the Napoleonic War era, ... Ancient Rome/Egypt/Greece/Persia/Mongolia...

When the writer engages in honest research about their subject + time period ahead of time its quite easy as a reader to be swept up into that particular time and place! Which is why I think, I've always been appreciative of books, because they give you the virtue of going to places that you might not have the chance to see during your lifetime! Either due to living in a century forward from the one that inspires you, OR a simple matter of logistics to sort out how to get to each locale that fascinates you! :)I nearly cackled with laughter -- that is one of the most brought up things in my life: the amount of infomation NOT covered, conveyed, discussed, or thought to bear mention whilst in school! Laughs. Good point!! :) :)

I didn't know about the ride to save our Independance, but I've always known the connection with Delaware and business affairs, due to the fact my family is engaged in independant business. Between Delaware and Nevada, you couldn't pick two better places to incorporate your business!! :) I also was aware of the fact that nearly every credit card is run through there, too! :) I didn't know they kept Colonial New Castle, but yes, I had heard inklings of it being one of the original 'key' cities. I always found that interesting, how prior to the District, we had several 'key' capital cities, and none of them were even near where our capital is today! :)

Sadly, the Williamsburg of my parents' generation compared to the one of mine are two separate entities! :( I remember how disappointed I was when we finally swung around on a rainy day to see Williamsburg! :/ I will have to put New Castle on my list of places to visit, because I can already tell that a towne that turned its back on accerlating its future is definitely one that I'd like to take in!

The business I decided to share that is incorporated in Delaware is: Boeing! Incorporated in 1934 in Delaware!! I always loved to fly, because I was always intriqued by the effect of 'take off', and how if you sit on the wing you get the best view of it!!

{I read that more than half of Fortune 500 are housed there, and over a million are incorporated in total!}

I'd be honoured to win one of your books, as the Heartsong books are favourites amongst my Mum, Dad, and I! Mum recently re-joined in January, as we came to know just how much those little books were missed!

You MADE my day, saying that! :) I had trying afternoon, and before I head out into nature to 'shake it off', I wanted to stop by to see if anyone was commenting/conversing about today's topic! Eek! What bliss to find your note!Bless you, you made me smile!! :)

I did a Google search and came up with this website.www.colonialroots.comIt is a bookstore that specializes in Genealogy books. They are located in Lewes, DE.Thanks for entering me in the giveaway.Janet E.von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

Wow! I hadn't ever heard of New Castle. But I'm glad I have now. Hubby and I are always looking for historical places to visit. I love, love, love the cobblestone streets. They are beautiful! Great Post! I'm all excited about going north to do some sightseeing, now. Have to head up to MD in 2 months....hmmmm that makes me think. ;o)

I've been in love with cobblestone and brick streets the whole of my life! I think that is what is so distressing living where I do, as its painfully 'modern'! Nothing lasts long here, because they're always tearing down one building to construct a newier uglier model of it! :( You'd think they'd build it right the first time, and make it last! I love ANYTHING in the North, because history and mason work is tradition up there! You'll have to share about your Colonial New Castle experience if you get to go!!

I live close to Delaware and my husband travels through Delaware on business regularly. Wasn't familiar with New Castle but it sounds wonderful. Loved Colonial Williamsburg especially at Christmas. Dupont is incorporated in Delaware. Like New Jersey the laws & taxes to incorporate are enticing! Did you know in New Jersey it's against the law to pump your own gas? I like that especially in the winter. Thanks for the opportunity to win...Linda dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com

The Dutch West India Company was one of the first companies to settle in Delaware. I am an huge fan of historical fiction pertaining to Colonial America and the Civil War era. Your books sound wonderful! I'm going to have to look into getting some. I'm also waiting with bated breath for your Mackinac Island release. A life-time resident of Michigan I've been to Mackinac Island numerous times, and can't seem to get enough of it. I'd move there if the opportunity arose. Thank you so much for the wonderful history lesson, and I'm looking forward to reading all of your books!Nancee quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

I wonder if your in the Lower or Upper half of Michi!? I nearly moved up to Northern Lower Michi, myself, except that everything for me knit together elsewhere, but I want to visit, because ever since "Somewhere in Time", I've felt a strong pull to walk on Mackinac! Certain books have that affect on me! Afterall, it was through the Shell Seekers I discovered an affection for Chanel No. 5!! :) :) No wonder you want some "Mackinac Love!"

What an intriguing post. I've chosen Home Depot, Inc., incorporated in the state of Delaware on June 29, 1978. History is certainly more interesting from your pen (fingers) than from my high school history teacher. Thanks for the opportunity. davalynnspencer (at) hotmail (dot) com.

This is all so fascinating! I don't blame the town for wanting to keep it to themselves. As for the question...only guessing, but I'd say Walmart...it seems to be everywhere! Thanks for the post...God bless.debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com

Great post, Tiffany! I must admit I don't know a lot about Delaware. I certainly didn't know about Caesar Rodney, or even that Delaware was the first state admitted to the Union. You make me want to learn more about the state. A decade ago I visited Colonial Williamsburg and enjoyed it. New Castle, Delaware sounds like a place I'd love to visit as well. BTW, your books sound wonderful and the covers are gorgeous.

This was really interesting and the Google follow-up I did was an eye-opener. I can't remember being in Delaware, but after reading your post, I would like to make a trip that included your state. One of the myriad companies legally incorporated in Delaware is Coca-cola. may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

DuPont Company yes, but 1802! Love those cobblestone streets above. I will be looking forward to your Mackinac Island story. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill Houselanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net ~*~ should I win, I would like to go into that bookstore in Antique Dreams!

There seem to be quite a few Michiganders here! I'm also in MI - about the middle of the mitten! ;) I, too, look forward to the book about Mackinaw Island, one of my favorite places, where I hope to get back to visit again soon.

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